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Red Elder

Respiratory

Sambucus racemosa

PregnancyNursing

Last updated Mar 29, 2026

Description

Red-berried elder of mountain Europe and North America; berries mildly toxic raw but used in folk medicine after cooking; bark used as emetic.

Active Compounds

sambunigrincyanogenic glycosidesflavonoidstanninsanthocyanins

Traditional Uses

Respiratory conditions in Scandinavian folk medicine
Native American use of bark for emesis
Wound healing poultice
Laxative and diuretic bark preparations

Modern Uses

Antioxidant anthocyanins
Folk medicine documentation

Dosage Information

Recommended dosing guidelines

Forms: tea, other
Adult Dose: Ripe cooked berries only; bark decoction 1–2 g with extreme caution
Child Dose: Not recommended for children without supervision
Preparation Notes: Cook all parts before use; bark is strongly emetic; raw berries mildly toxic

Safety Information

Not recommended during pregnancy

Not recommended while nursing

Contraindications

Raw berries or bark in large doses
Pregnancy
Children without supervision

Possible Side Effects

Vomiting from raw berries or bark
GI irritation

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